OC WESTON RICHBURG, COLORADO ST.

Redshirted in 2009, then started all twelve games in 2010, the first three at guard and the nine following them at center. Appeared in all twelve games again as a sophomore, ten at center and two at offensive tackle. Started every game at center as a junior and as a senior, earning all-conference first-team honors as a senior.

POSITIVES:

• Started all fifty games the Rams played over the past four years, forty-five at center.• Possesses prototypical height for a pro center prospect, with above-average weight.• Reliable player who has posted consistently-high grades, avoids committing penalties.• Moves very well for a center of his size, wouldn’t be out-of-place in a zone scheme.• Regularly asked to pull, secure hook blocks, or get out in front to block for screens.• Aggressive player; plays through the whistle, keeps feet moving, flashes a killer instinct.• Has a strong initial punch, can knock defenders off-balance or to the ground at times.• Has a bit of experience at offensive guard (three starts) and at offensive tackle (two.)• Displays a sound anchor in pass protection, capable of holding his ground vs. power.

NEGATIVES:

• Didn’t play in one of the NCAA’s premier conferences, will face leap in competition.• Not really a dominant drive blocker, gets the job done but doesn’t maul consistently.• Still has a little bit of room for improvement in terms of awareness in pass protection.• Ends up on the ground occasionally, usually as a result of being overly aggressive.• Also ends up running past second-level targets at times, could be a bit more patient.

SUMMARY:

Richburg should ultimately end up as one of the top centers drafted this season, possessing an impressive combination of size, experience, mobility, and aggressiveness which make him a strong candidate to start at the next level. He should appeal to teams running both man-and-zone-blocking schemes, with perhaps his best fit coming in the latter due to his ability to pull effectively, or get to the second level and secure blocks on linebackers. He is not a dominant run blocker or pass protector, but he is not limited by a lack of size or of athleticism, and should benefit from some time in a pro strength program upon entering the league.